Are e30 Brakes enough?

[Addissimo]

I'm about to put an m50 in my car(just waiting for the tranny to arrive) and I've been considering a 5 lug swap with e36 m3 parts mainly for the substantially larger brakes. I'm wondering what peoples luck with the stock e30 brakes (325i) and these swaps has been? How much do ducting plates help? I've been known to get brake fade with my m20, and I'm a little worried about what will happen with that extra wieght/ hp...

Thanks for your input
Addis

[Erick]

Stu McHenry has an S50 and used to run the stock brakes. He said it only gets bad under constant stress, like in a track or something, but that it would be perfectly normal for daily driving.

I'd figure the stock e30 brakes are still good enough for an M50.

[bimmerphile]

Stu McHenry has an S50 and used to run the stock brakes. He said it only gets bad under constant stress, like in a track or something, but that it would be perfectly normal for daily driving.

I'd figure the stock e30 brakes are still good enough for an M50.

clearly you don't know how addis drives, daily.

[Ryan Stewart]

I was always a supporter of the stock E30 brakes. Just get some good pads developed for whatever purpose you intend to use the car for.

Ive never cooked a pad at an auto-x, only on the roadcourses in the middle of july. I wouldnt think that is an issue because 99% of them wouldnt let you on the track.

Being said I cant wait for a BBK. I have been driving an E36 M3 for the past coulple weeks and they are a shit load better.

[M-technik-3]

I run stock size too.

[Addissimo]

Kris -

Word

Mr. Stewart-

I was afraid somebody would bring that up... I may be forced into a 5 lug setup.

Thanks everyone

[Z3Jonathan]

There are several 4 lug BBK's out there. Ireland Engineering and RPI Equipped both come to mind. Altho bear in mind that RPI uses Willwood components, which I don't believe use dust seals. So they will require periodic rebuild, IIRC. Ted is running a set of them on his 3.0 M20 car.

Of course, you are only getting half the benifits of a BBK if you are running stock tires. Wide summer tires will make much better use of upgraded brakes, unless you want to engage ABS at every stop.

[M-technik-3]

Say good bye to reasonable sized wheels.

[Z3Jonathan]

Say good bye to reasonable sized wheels.

True. Although define resonible, since many people doing these modifications are likely to be running 16" or 17" wheels (partially for the BLING factor, partially for greater response).

[Addissimo]

if I do a 5 lug I'll probably just do some stock m3 rims... so 17s. I'd do a 4 lug BBK, but to do all 4 wheels they are a lot more expensive than a 5 lug swap, especially when e36 m3 caliper sets can be had for $200... Make a custom mounting bracket for 318ti trailing arms and you have some 312mm rear rotors.

[UNHCLL]

if I do a 5 lug I'll probably just do some stock m3 rims... so 17s. I'd do a 4 lug BBK, but to do all 4 wheels they are a lot more expensive than a 5 lug swap, especially when e36 m3 caliper sets can be had for $200... Make a custom mounting bracket for 318ti trailing arms and you have some 312mm rear rotors.

stock m3 rims are 15"
the e36 5 lug swap has to many issues to sort out.
if you want a 5 lug, just do e30 M... simplicity.

[Addissimo]

17s were in reference to e36 wheels. I would do an e30 m3 setup... but what would be the point? Basically just for a better selection of rims. I'm no ricer. I want 315mm in the front and 312 in the back. It sounds like Jon from treehouse has the swap figured out. If I can get the rear components for a decent price and within the month, I'll go for the swap. If I can't, I'll tone my braking tendencies down a bit.

[bimmerphile]

if I do a 5 lug I'll probably just do some stock m3 rims... so 17s. I'd do a 4 lug BBK, but to do all 4 wheels they are a lot more expensive than a 5 lug swap, especially when e36 m3 caliper sets can be had for $200... Make a custom mounting bracket for 318ti trailing arms and you have some 312mm rear rotors.

stock m3 rims are 15"
the e36 5 lug swap has to many issues to sort out.
if you want a 5 lug, just do e30 M... simplicity.

E36 M3 rims.

You underestimate my friend.

[UNHCLL]

17s were in reference to e36 wheels. I would do an e30 m3 setup... but what would be the point? Basically just for a better selection of rims. I'm no ricer. I want 315mm in the front and 312 in the back. It sounds like Jon from treehouse has the swap figured out. If I can get the rear components for a decent price and within the month, I'll go for the swap. If I can't, I'll tone my braking tendencies down a bit.

Or the fact the e30 M3 brake system is larger, stronger and the hubs are beefier.

but wtf do I know, I'm just a ricer. :roll:

[Ryan Stewart]

man, dont waste the money on the cabrio. You cant track it.

If anything get the IE kit. Its a very user friendly kit that will fit under 15", 16", or 17" depending on what kit you get.

Im debating with a modified stop-tech kit or the IE. I kinda prefer the floating caliper for simplicity and weight, we shall see.